Hi guys, welcome to my second post of 2015.
Obviously, Formula One when it boils down to it, is all about how to get a car around a track whilst following strict regulations set by the FIA.
The FIA following recent season's crashes, incidents and other dilemmas have tried to cut ways in which serious consequences can be avoided, the most recent and prominent example being the Virtual Safety Car introduced this season.
I would like to explore other areas in which drivers and their respective teams can avoid potentially avoidable incidents, the main focus I would like to draw this attention to, is the steering wheel.
I don't know about you guys, but I struggle to maintain focus on the road when I am doing 40-60mph changing the track on the CD player, the buttons are on the steering wheel (it's an astra if anyone's bothered), Granted, these are the best drivers in the world, but have you seen all the dials, buttons and screen displays they have to contend with at speeds around 160-180mph?
Is it too far to suggest that some accidents are caused by drivers lack of concentration on the track when they are trying to adjust settings on the wheel? These distractions could potentially overcomplicate the actual part of F1, driving. I can't remember who it was but someone went off at China in 2014 whilst changing settings on the wheel, I would take that as a prime example.
If I was at the FIA considering new initiatives and ways to make the racing safer, I would limit the control the driver has on his (and hopefully in the future, her) steering wheel, if it is a team sport, let the team control some factors from the pit wall without driver input, but obviously with consultation via team radio.
I would think this would benefit the driver as it allows him to concentrate on hitting apex's and missing other cars, but also allows the team and driver to exploit the optimum settings on the car, therefore, I think F1 could actually get a bit faster, and safer!
What would you all think to this idea?
Overcomplicating the pursuit of speed
posted on 23/1/15
The controls on the steering wheel are there to enable the driver to get the best lap times but they can be a distraction if fiddled with on the wrong part of the circuit. Radio calls from the pit wall are also a distraction if used when the driver is overtaking or in the braking zone. I think it was Lewis Hamilton that spun on a corner while altering his brake balance.
Jules Bianchi 's injuries were largely the result of the mobile crane being positioned in front of the safety barrier instead of behind it.
posted on 23/1/15
It has happened to Maldon ado and Grosjean as well. There is a trade off but it is all a bit silly these days
posted on 24/1/15
For me F1s safe enough, n needs to get faster
posted on 25/1/15
I think it is fast enough at the moment, we just need ways to reduce the levels of downforce so cornering is harder.
We have seen already what happens when we lose downforce and the fric
posted on 25/1/15
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posted on 25/1/15
Think we also need to stop the homogenisation of designs.
Happy with where the exhausts currently sit and the dimensions for the front wing, length and distance from the floor. Let the teams be creative with their designs
posted on 25/1/15
It's called information overload. IMO they should take it back to basics. But then again, I'm an oldie.
When you are trying to slow F1 crs down there's something wrong.
posted on 26/1/15
I agree, the downforce levels need to be reduced though.
posted on 13/2/15
I don't think having a guy on the pit wall.changing settings on the car while the driver is trying to drive is a great idea. If they suddenly.change a setting.then surely that's unpredictable for the driver, I get they'd confirm over radio but I don't think it would help.
And something I agree with Bernie is that the drivers should be allowed to drive without having the pit wall controlling things.